Ethical & Moral Fears as 94% Express Concerns About AI Integration in Church
A new survey reveals worry over the use of artificial intelligence in ministry settings.
Gloo, a “leading technology platform focused on connecting the faith ecosystem,” recently conducted the AI & the Church Survey with prominent partners such as Barna Group, Ed Stetzer, the Lausanne Movement, and AI and Faith. The survey aimed to shed light on the perceptions, concerns, and aspirations of church leaders and members regarding the integration of artificial intelligence in the Church.
Let's delve into the key findings and see what it might mean for us moving forward.
Understanding AI: A Mixed Landscape
The survey unveiled a spectrum of perspectives when it comes to understanding AI within the Church. While 63% of those surveyed—83% church leaders and 17% church members—expressed a fairly to somewhat knowledgeable level of comfort with AI, 28% indicated only slight or no knowledge at all. Just 9% considered themselves very knowledgeable.
There is a clear need for continuous education and dialogue on this crucial subject, as almost one in three people had little to no knowledge at all about AI.
Using AI in Ministry: A Tentative Approach
While AI is a driving force behind numerous online and digital platforms, the adoption of AI directly into ministry practices remains limited. The survey revealed that 62% of church leaders reported rarely or never using AI in their work. On the other hand, 19% mentioned occasional use, and another 19% incorporated AI on a weekly or daily basis. These numbers indicate a generally cautious disposition. However, it may also be cost-related for small churches, as only a few AI products are free.
Unethical AI? The Root of the Concern
Perhaps the most startling result from the survey is that he integration of AI into the Church has raised significant ethical and moral concerns. Fifty-four percent of respondents expressed quite to extreme concern regarding these issues. An additional 40% held slight to moderate concerns, while a smaller 6% claimed no concern at all. This collective apprehension—94% of those surveyed expressed some level of concern—underscores the importance of addressing ethical implications head-on and fostering a responsible approach to AI adoption within the faith community.
This is the area that needs the most attention and, at present, appears to be receiving the least (which is why I started this newsletter). Church leaders should work hard to understand the AI landscape and act appropriately.
The Outlook on AI: Diverging Sentiments
When it comes to their overall outlook on AI, the survey showcased a spectrum of emotions. A majority (54%) conveyed a sense of discomfort with the growing prominence of AI in the world, while 32% expressed positivity and excitement. 14% adopted a neutral stance. These sentiments reflect the broader societal discourse surrounding AI's impact and invite further introspection on its potential to harmonize with religious values.
AI in the Church Context: A Divided Landscape
The survey illuminated a distinct divide within the Church when it comes to using AI within a ministry context. In terms of using AI within their own churches, 43% of respondents expressed discomfort or anxiety. Conversely, 27% displayed positivity or excitement, while 30% maintained a neutral perspective. The stance on the broader use of AI within the Church revealed a similar division, with 41% advocating for moderate AI integration, 9% enthusiastically endorsing its use, 17% advocating resistance, and 7% calling for condemnation. A quarter of respondents held a neutral viewpoint.
A Call for Meaningful Conversations
Savannah Kimberlin, associate vice president at Barna Group, aptly summarized the survey's implications by highlighting the need for meaningful conversations. The data unveils a complex tapestry of viewpoints, ranging from enthusiastic acceptance to cautious skepticism. These results indicate a need to come together, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and shape a collective vision for AI's role within religious practices.
Thankfully, that is exactly what Gloo is seeking to do.
The AI & the Church Survey has illuminated a multifaceted landscape of perspectives within the faith ecosystem. As leaders and congregants navigate the integration of AI into church life, it is evident that education, open dialogue, and ethical considerations are paramount. The intersection of faith and technology presents us with an exciting opportunity to leverage AI as a tool that can amplify the reach and impact of religious practices. With a nuanced understanding of AI's potential and its implications, the faith community can stride confidently toward a future where innovation and tradition coexist harmoniously.
If you haven’t read it, I wrote an in-depth piece exploring how leaders can guide their churches into an AI world. You can read that below:
